Ariel W.
Yelp
AJ Chocolate is a new chocolate shop and restaurant in Winter Park in the former Frappestar Coffee shop. I have wanted to visit ever since finding them on Instagram when they opened and on a recent visit I was finally able to stop by with my daughter and friend.
AJ Chocolate house was founded in 2002, in Vilnius, Lithuania by Edwin and his father Algimantas Jablonskas. They started manufacturing small batches of chocolate in the basement of the family home which they sold to a few stores in the city. All of their products are made with what they consider the best quality chocolate, Belgian Couverture Chocolate. Edwin now runs the business with his wife Katherine. From their start in chocolates they expanded into cakes and desserts. After opening their first shop, they were distributed throughout Europe in shops, fine hotels, and luxury cafes. There are now 25 shops across Europe. This is their first store in the US in Winter Park across from Rollins College. They felt the walkability and European ambiance of Winter Park was a perfect fit for their European inspired chocolate cafe.
As soon as you step in you feel transported to a Willy Wonka world of imagination. The faux finishes, ornate murals and decorative accents like flower draped chandeliers were created by the same artists who worked in their European shops. There are tables and chairs and sofas and armchairs set up to create inviting seating. Dominating the room is the lighted glass cases filled with 150 different kinds of chocolates made in milk, white, and dark, and filled with fruits, nuts, cream, liquor. Some are in fanciful shapes like roses, lips, leaves, and King Tut. Chocolates are around $1.50 each. The top notch friendly staff was waiting to help us at every turn and answer questions and offer suggestions like the passion fruit Bees Knees chocolate I loved along with the coffee, coconut, caramel, and marzipan filled chocolates.
In addition to the candy they also serve tarts, cakes, milkshakes, small batch ice cream, house-made chocolate mousse, chocolate fondue, a brunch menu with croissants and Brussels waffles, party platters, Italian coffee drinks, the ultimate hot or cold chocolate, and fine wines. Unfortunately we were already full from previous stops so I only tried the chocolates which were heavenly. You could taste the artistry and quality ingredients in each bite. Next time I visit I am saving room for the croissant they turn into a waffle and add ice cream and fresh fruit or the croissant that comes with the chocolate dipping sauce. Whatever you order at AJ Chocolate House, you are sure to leave delighted.